U.S. patent application number 10/041070 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-15 for sanitary toothbrush.
Invention is credited to Ferrante, Daniel Joseph, Woods, Deanna Michelle.
Application Number | 20030088933 10/041070 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21914556 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030088933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Woods, Deanna Michelle ; et
al. |
May 15, 2003 |
Sanitary toothbrush
Abstract
An improved sanitary toothbrush with a curved proximal end in
the general shape of a hook for storing the toothbrush in a
suspended, upside down fashion, thereby allowing for air drying of
the distal brush portion of the toothbrush and creating a cleaner
and more sanitary method of storing the toothbrush after use. In an
additional embodiment of the present invention, the elongated
intermediate handle portion of the toothbrush is designed in the
shape of an animal with the curved distal end of the handle forming
the animal's tail, thereby making brushing more aesthetically
pleasing and appealing to children suffering from sensory
integrative dysfunction and accompanying oral defensive disorder.
Lastly, the unique curved shape of the proximal end of the
toothbrush handle further assists brushing by children, as the
handle cradles the child's hand for ease of use and better gripping
of the toothbrush by children whose arm and hand strength is
significantly less than that of an adult and who may have
difficulty holding a standard toothbrush while brushing.
Inventors: |
Woods, Deanna Michelle;
(Emerson, NJ) ; Ferrante, Daniel Joseph; (Ramsey,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard A. Catalina, Jr., Esq.
Catalina & Associates,
Monmouth Shores Corporate Park
1350 Campus Parkway, Suite 200
Neptune
NJ
07753
US
|
Family ID: |
21914556 |
Appl. No.: |
10/041070 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 ;
15/143.1; 248/692; D4/104; D4/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 5/02 20130101; A46B
15/0089 20130101; A46B 5/023 20130101; A46B 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 ;
15/143.1; D4/104; D4/107; 248/692 |
International
Class: |
A46B 009/04; A46B
005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1) A new and improved sanitary toothbrush comprising: (a) A handle
portion, formed of a rigid material, having an upper surface, a
lower surface, a distal end, a proximal end, and an elongated
intermediate portion in between; (b) The distal end of the handle
having a brush unit generally comprised of a rectangular head
portion adjacent and integral thereto, the head portion having an
upper surface with a plurality of bristle tufts extending outward
therefrom; and (c) The proximal end of the handle generally
comprised of a curved shape in the form of a hook for hanging the
toothbrush, said curved proximal end being of sufficient size,
dimension and radius to allow for the hanging or suspension of the
toothbrush in an upside down position.
2) The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the curved proximal
end of the handle extends outward in a direction that is opposite
the bristle tufts.
3) The toothbrush according to claim 2, wherein the elongated
intermediate portion is designed and shaped to represent a tailed
animal, with the curved proximal end of the handle of the
toothbrush forming the tail of the animal.
4) The toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the designed and
shaped animal represented in the intermediate portion of the handle
is a monkey, and where the curved proximal end of the handle is
designed and shaped as the monkey's tail.
5) The toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the designed and
shaped animal represented in the intermediate portion of the handle
is a snake, and where the curved proximal end of the handle is
designed and shaped as the snake's tail.
6) The toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the designed and
shaped animal represented in the intermediate portion of the handle
is an alligator, and where the curved proximal end of the handle is
designed and shaped as the alligator's tail.
7) The toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the designed and
shaped animal represented in the intermediate portion of the handle
is a dinosaur, and where the curved proximal end of the handle is
designed and shaped as the dinosaur's tail.
8) The toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the designed and
shaped animal represented in the intermediate portion of the handle
is a dolphin, and where the curved proximal end of the handle is
designed and shaped as the dolphin's tail.
9) The toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the designed and
shaped animal represented in the intermediate portion of the handle
is a giraffe, and where the curved proximal end of the handle is
designed and shaped as the giraffe's tail.
10) The toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the designed and
shaped animal represented in the intermediate portion of the handle
is a duck, and where the curved proximal end of the handle is
designed and shaped as the duck's tail.
11) The toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the designed and
shaped animal represented in the intermediate portion of the handle
is a tiger, and where the curved proximal end of the handle is
designed and shaped as the tiger's tail.
12) The toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the designed and
shaped animal represented in the intermediate portion of the handle
is a parrot and where the curved proximal end of the handle is
designed and shaped as the parrot's tail.
13) The toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the designed and
shaped animal represented in the intermediate portion of the handle
is a stork, and where the curved proximal end of the handle is
designed and shaped as the stork's tail.
14) The toothbrush according to claim 3, wherein the designed and
shaped animal represented in the intermediate portion of the handle
is a seal, and where the curved proximal end of the handle is
designed and shaped as the seal's tail.
15) The toothbrush according to any of the preceding Claims,
wherein the curved proximal end of the toothbrush is further of
sufficient size, dimension and radius to create a gripping
mechanism by allowing the toothbrush to be held by the hand while
brushing the teeth.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to a sanitary toothbrush that
is designed to hang in an upside down fashion, or by the end of the
handle opposite the brush portion of the toothbrush, and by doing
so creates a cleaner and more sanitary method of storing the
toothbrush after use. Specifically, the object of the present
invention is to provide a more safe and secure method of toothbrush
storage by allowing for a toothbrush to be suspended upside down by
its terminal end thereby creating a more sanitary manner with which
to store the toothbrush between use. The present version of the
invention incorporates an inherent property of the toothbrush
itself, namely the proximal end of the toothbrush--the end of the
toothbrush handle closer to the hand when in use--that is generally
comprised of a curved shape in the form of a hook for hanging the
toothbrush. This curved proximal end of the toothbrush handle
thereby allows a user to store the toothbrush by hanging it in a
variety of ways, including, but not limited to, hanging the
improved toothbrush from a standard toothbrush holder commonly
found in almost all bathrooms.
[0006] Typically, other methods of toothbrush storage, such as
resting on a shelf, countertop, enclosed toothbrush holder or other
methods, have contributed to unsanitary oral hygiene and have
allowed for the transfer of bacteria and other germs that may
contribute to other health ailments. Suspending a toothbrush in an
upside down manner, however, allows for air drying of the brush
portion without the toothbrush coming into direct contact with
other potential germ carrying media or surfaces, such as counter
tops, medicine cabinet shelving, and in particular, conventional
toothbrush holders. Hanging the toothbrush in this fashion further
protects the toothbrush, and in particular the brush portion, from
coming into contact with other contaminants that may be found in
the bathroom, for example, cleaning solution residue on a
countertop, or the combination of toothpaste and water residue that
accumulates on the toothbrush holder or brush itself. In addition,
when the present invention is suspended in its upside down manner,
water, toothpaste and mouth residues are allowed to drip freely
from the brush portion of toothbrush, as opposed to trickling down
the handle portion of the toothbrush when it is stored in a more
conventional manner in a standard toothbrush holder. The present
invention serves many purposes and is a simple, easy and effective
approach to a cleaner and more sanitary means of storing and
maintaining a toothbrush.
[0007] The present invention utilizes a hanging or suspended
storage approach by way of incorporating a curved or hook like
shape to the proximal end to the handle of the toothbrush, with the
brush portion of the toothbrush located at the distal end of the
toothbrush handle. This curved shape to the end of the handle with
its hook like feature allows the toothbrush to be hooked onto a
standard toothbrush holder, or onto any hook, peg, or other device
commonly known to those skilled in the art, that is mounted to a
wall, within a medicine cabinet, or onto almost any vertical
surface in a bathroom. The present invention may also be hooked
onto any apparatus, device or elevated horizontal surface
containing at least one hole for engaging the curved end of the
toothbrush handle. Such a surface is present in a standard
toothbrush holder. The present invention with its curved proximal
end does not permit conventional storage in a standard toothbrush
holder, thereby forcing the user to store the toothbrush in the
cleaner and more sanitary position of hanging it from the
toothbrush holder.
[0008] In addition to serving the general adult population, the
curved end of the toothbrush handle allows for easy gripping and
holding by children with small hands and whose arm and hand
strength is less than that of an adult. It is therefore a further
object of the present invention to provide children with an easier
means to grip the toothbrush. The curved portion of the handle will
allow a child to grip the toothbrush with greater stability as the
handle actually cradles the child's hand for ease of use. Thus,
children who have difficulty holding a standard toothbrush will
find the present invention easier to hold. In order to provide this
utility, the size, dimension and radius of the curved proximal end
must be of sufficient dimension to accommodate a child's hand, and
the portion of the curved proximal end opposite the main handle
must also be of sufficient length to provide an easy means of
gripping the toothbrush. These same dimensional factors also apply
to the present invention such that it may easily be suspended
upside down from a standard toothbrush holder commonly found in
most bathrooms. The preferred embodiment of the present disclosure
therefore also serves a secondary utility or function; it is not
only cleaner and more sanitary than a standard toothbrush, an
important function for use with children, but it is easier to use
by children.
[0009] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a more aesthetically appealing toothbrush for children consisting
of multiple colors, shapes and designs adding to the appeal of
individuals, specifically children, that have sensory issues, in
particular the syndrome of oral defensiveness. Individuals with
this disorder have varied sensory responses and in some instances
reject any or all stimulation. For these children, an aversion to
oral stimulation, particularly brushing their teeth, would
certainly lead to inadequate oral hygiene and future dental and
oral difficulties. Individuals with this disorder are encouraged to
use different brands of toothpaste and to experiment with different
brands and sizes of toothbrushes.
[0010] Oral defensiveness is one of many problems associated with
what is known as sensory integrative dysfunction. Sensory
integration is best defined as the ability to take in information
through the various senses and process it in conjunction with prior
information and responses previously stored in the brain so as to
make a meaningful response. Sensory integration occurs in the
central nervous system and is generally thought to take place in
the mid-brain and brainstem levels in complex interactions of the
portions of the brain responsible for coordination, attention,
arousal, autonomic functioning, emotions, memory, and higher level
cognitive functions. Categories of sensory integrative dysfunction
include attention and regulatory problems, sensory defensiveness,
and difficult and behavioral patterns.
[0011] A child with sensory integrative dysfunction may become
overly sensitive to stimuli which other individuals ignore, such
as, a fan, vacuum cleaner, and the like. Other children with
sensory integrative dysfunction are non-responsive to stimuli.
Children with these regulatory disorders often have unusual
behavioral patterns and might very well over-react to certain
stimuli.
[0012] A child with sensory defensiveness has a highly aroused
nervous system which is unable to recognize simple stimuli as being
non-threatening. This type of behavior can lead to tactile
defensiveness, avoidance, withdrawal and intolerance of daily
routines such as, combing and shampooing hair, cutting fingernails
and brushing teeth. Oral defensiveness can cause distress with
brushing teeth, dental visits and intolerance to certain textures
or temperatures of food.
[0013] Auditory and visual defensiveness are additional disorders
which fall under the category of sensory integrative dysfunction.
Auditory defensiveness occurs with fears associated with sounds and
noises of such things as lawn mowers, hair dryers, sirens and
vacuum cleaners, while visual defensiveness may result from a
hypersensitivity to light.
[0014] A child suffering from a sensory dysfunction might very well
exhibit a change in activity including disorganization, a lack of
desire to move around, a lack of variety in play activities,
clumsiness, a difficulty calming down after exiting physical
activity or after becoming upset and the seeking of excessive
amounts of vigorous sensory input. In addition, sensory integrative
dysfunction can adversely affect a child's social and emotional
development. Children with this type of dysfunction often become
discouraged, develop poor self-concept, and in the case of oral
defensiveness, compromise their dental and oral health.
[0015] Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention
further seek to provide such children with a more subtle approach
to brushing their teeth by introducing them to a toothbrush of
various colors and shapes that is more appealing and more sensitive
to touch and less likely to cause oral inhibition that contributes
to oral defensiveness. For children, with respect to the shape of
the toothbrush itself, the handle portion is such that it may come
in the form or shape of various animals, including, but not limited
to, a parrot, stork, monkey, snake, alligator, dolphin, dinosaur,
seal, giraffe, duck and tiger. The curved proximal end of the
present disclosure forms the tails of these animals. Accordingly,
the curved proximal end of the improved sanitary toothbrush
provides even greater functionality by forming the tail of the
animal shape of the toothbrush handle to accommodate children that
are orally defensive.
[0016] 2. The Prior Art.
[0017] There are several prior art references involving toothbrush
storage and methods of attachment. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,725,147,
3,141,712, 4,214,657, 4,325,485, 5,566,842 and 6,119,854 all
disclose different methods of toothbrush storage by way of an
independent rack or holder system. U.S. Pat. No. 2,725,147
references a tooth brush rack using spaced apart spring clips to
suspend the toothbrushes in a spaced arrangement. U.S. Pat. No.
3,141,712 also discloses a tooth brush holder and protector which
involves the suspension of individual brushes upside down by use of
independent hooks in conjunction with the openings in the
respective toothbrush handles, with the device itself being covered
by a protective housing. U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,485 also references a
toothbrush holder in which individual toothbrushes are suspended
upside down by their respective holes in their handles. U.S. Pat.
No. 4,214,657 discloses yet another toothbrush holder in which
toothbrushes are placed upside down in individual compartments
containing sponges carrying a sterilizing fluid. U.S. Pat. No.
5,566,842 provides an analogous method of storage of toothbrushes
as aforesaid with the incorporation of a toothpaste dispenser.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,854 references and discloses a
sanitary toothbrush unit, which allows for the insertion of a
toothbrush through a hole so as to rest in a sanitizing reservoir.
Unlike the present invention, all of these disclosures involve
complicated, bulky, and/or inconvenient apparatus, none of which
present a simple, easy means of storing and maintaining a clean and
sanitary toothbrush.
[0018] In conjunction with the above, there have also been several
attempts to modify the toothbrush itself. U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,339
discloses a toothbrush with a curved handle which, while not for
storage, was specifically designed for providing an improved grip
and easier brushing. U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,599 discloses an
attachable toothbrush by use of a magnetic mechanism to allow a
brush to be suspended to a vertical wall. U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,688
discloses a toothbrush case for holding a toothbrush and an
attached reservoir for mouthwash and the like. U.S. Pat. No.
5,400,457 references a collapsible toothbrush which does reference
and disclose an independent hanger member which is coupled to the
toothbrush handle to permit the hanging of the claimed brush unit
after use. However, the hanger member as disclosed is not only an
additive feature to the toothbrush itself but is also questionable
as to its limitations with respect to its method of suspension and
whether or not it may be suspended from any horizontal surface, and
in particular, a common toothbrush holder found in most bathrooms.
Moreover, the hanging member does not address the multiple
functions and utility of the present disclosure. U.S. Pat. No.
5,517,713 discloses a toothbrush with a curved handle, which is
designed to allow a user a more comfortable grip. Lastly U.S. Pat.
No. 5,742,971 discloses a suction cup attachment for a toothbrush
which would allow a toothbrush to be suspended from any flat,
non-porous surface.
[0019] While many aforesaid disclosures reference methods of
toothbrush storage, they all relate to either independent rack
systems or additive features or modifications to a particular
toothbrush either by way of a magnetic device, suction cup or
hanging mechanism. The present version of the invention
incorporates an inherent property of the toothbrush itself, namely
the proximal end of the toothbrush handle, which is generally
comprised of a curved shape in the form of a hook for hanging the
toothbrush. This feature allows a user to store the toothbrush by
hanging it in a variety of ways, and in particular, and unlike the
prior art, hanging the toothbrush from a standard toothbrush holder
commonly found in almost all bathrooms. In addition, none of the
cited references addresses the issue of sensory dysfunction and
oral defensiveness and the use of toothbrushes in the potential
treatment of same, particularly as it relates to young children.
Finally, the curved design of the proximal end of the handle
provides for easier use by a child, as that feature of the
invention cradles the child's hand for both stability and ease of
use.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0020] The present invention is directed to a new and improved
sanitary toothbrush. In particular, the present invention relates
to a sanitary toothbrush that is designed to hang in an upside down
fashion, or by the end of the handle opposite the brush portion of
the toothbrush, and by doing so creates a cleaner and more sanitary
method of storing the toothbrush after use.
[0021] There has thus been outline, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the
invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form
the subject matter of the claims appended hereto,
[0022] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are
for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0023] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0024] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of the application, which
is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to
the scope of the invention in any way.
[0025] The present version of the invention incorporates an
inherent property of the toothbrush itself, namely the proximal end
of the toothbrush--the end of the toothbrush handle closer to the
hand when in use--which is generally comprised of a curved shape in
the form of a hook for hanging the toothbrush. This feature of the
proximal end of the toothbrush handle thereby allows a user to
store the toothbrush by hanging it in a variety of ways, including,
but not limited to, hanging the toothbrush from a standard
toothbrush holder. In addition, the various shapes of the
toothbrush itself offer appeal in the treatment of sensory issues,
specifically oral defensiveness in children, as well as providing
the children with a toothbrush that is easier to use and grasp.
[0026] The present invention consists of a toothbrush in which the
proximal end of the toothbrush handle--the end opposite the distal
brush portion of the toothbrush--is generally comprised of a curved
shape in the form of a hook for hanging the toothbrush, said curved
proximal end being of sufficient size, dimension and radius to
allow for the hanging or suspension of the toothbrush in an upside
down position from a standard toothbrush holder, and to further
accommodate a child's hand for easy gripping of the toothbrush. The
hooked or curved handle of the toothbrush is not a separately added
element to the toothbrush, but rather, it is integral to the
toothbrush itself, comprising the same component material as the
toothbrush handle and created through the same manufacturing
process of the toothbrush handle, for example, by means of
injection molding. The hooked or curved portion of the proximal end
of the toothbrush handle enables the brush to be suspended and
stored upside down from a hook, peg, or ordinary toothbrush holder,
or any other device or apparatus commonly known to those skilled in
the art. This would further include any elevated horizontal surface
containing an aperture or opening, such as an ordinary toothbrush
holder, where the various openings of the holder are in close
proximity to the edge of the elevated surface so as to allow the
toothbrush to be hooked through any of said openings. Storing the
toothbrush in this fashion will aid in the drying of the
toothbrush, as well as decrease the opportunity for contamination
by way of tabletop germs and other forms of contamination commonly
found on bathroom counter tops and toothbrush holders. In addition,
when the present invention is stored in this hanging fashion,
water, toothpaste and mouth residues are allowed to drip free from
the brush portion of the toothbrush, thereby allowing for
self-cleaning of the toothbrush as it air dries. Conventional
toothbrushes stored in a conventional fashion in a standard
toothbrush holder, on the other hand, allow these materials to
freely trickle down the toothbrush handle thereby creating a
buildup over time of that residue material. With the present
invention, when stored in a hanging fashion, there is no such
residue buildup.
[0027] Through its unique design, the present invention also serves
another utility. In particular, the handle portion of the
toothbrush is designed, in addition to the basic embodiment, to
come in a variety of animal shapes, including, but not limited to,
a parrot, stork, monkey, snake, alligator, dinosaur, seal, giraffe,
bat, duck and tiger with the hook or curved portion of the
toothbrush integrated into the animal's tail. That is, the
elongated intermediate portion of the toothbrush handle is designed
and shaped to represent a tailed animal, with the curved proximal
end of the handle of the toothbrush forming the tail of the animal.
This visually appealing and inviting feature of the present
invention thereby specifically aids in the treatment of
individuals, specifically children, suffering from sensory issues,
and in particular, oral defensiveness. Individuals with this
disorder have varied sensory responses and in some instances may
reject any or all oral stimulation. For these children, there may
be a fear of brushing their teeth, which may lead to inadequate
oral hygiene and future dental and oral difficulties. Oral
defensiveness frequently delays or inhibits oral motor stimulation
needed for appropriate therapeutic intervention in those children
or adults needing speech therapy. Individuals with this disorder
are encouraged to use different brands of toothpaste and to
experiment with different brands and sizes of toothbrushes.
Accordingly, the within invention further seeks to provide such
children with a more subtle approach to brushing their teeth by
introducing them to a toothbrush of various colors and shapes that
is more appealing and more sensitive to touch and less likely to
cause inhibition and contribute to oral defensiveness.
[0028] Lastly, the curved end of the toothbrush handle allows for
easy gripping and holding by adults and children with small hands
and whose arm and hand strength is less than that of an adult. It
is therefore a further object of the present invention to provide
children with an easier means to grip the toothbrush. The curved
portion of the handle will allow a child to grip the toothbrush
with greater stability and security as the handle actually cradles
the child's hand for ease of use. Thus, children who have
difficulty holding a standard toothbrush will find the present
invention easier to hold.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the
present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective drawing of the basic embodiment
of the present invention, demonstrating the curved or hook like
shape of the proximal end of the handle of the toothbrush.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a side perspective drawing of the basic embodiment
of the present invention, demonstrating the curved or hook like
shape of the proximal end of the handle of the toothbrush.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a front perspective drawing of the basic
embodiment of the present invention, demonstrating the curved or
hook like shape of the proximal end of the handle of the
toothbrush.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a drawing of the present invention in use, and in
particular, demonstrates the hand of a child holding the toothbrush
and using the invention's curved proximal end as a means of further
gripping the handle of the toothbrush.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a side perspective of the present invention,
wherein the handle is in the shape of a monkey with the monkey's
tail forming the curved proximal end of the handle.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a side perspective of the present invention,
wherein the handle is in the shape of a snake with the snake's tail
forming the curved proximal end of the handle.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a side perspective of the present invention,
wherein the handle is in the shape of a dinosaur with the
dinosaur's tail forming the curved proximal end of the handle.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a side perspective of the present invention,
wherein the handle is in the shape of a stork with the stork's tail
forming the curved proximal end of the handle.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a side perspective of the present invention,
wherein the handle is in the shape of a parrot with the parrot's
tail forming the curved proximal end of the handle.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a side perspective of the present invention,
wherein the handle is in the shape of a duck with the duck's tail
forming the curved proximal end of the handle.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a side perspective of the present invention,
wherein the handle is in the shape of a dolphin with the dolphin's
tail forming the curved proximal end of the handle.
[0041] FIG. 12 is a side perspective of the present invention,
wherein the handle is in the shape of a giraffe with the giraffe's
tail forming the curved proximal end of the handle.
[0042] FIG. 13 is a side perspective of the present invention,
wherein the handle is in the shape of an alligator with the
alligator's tail forming the curved proximal end of the handle.
[0043] FIG. 14 is a side perspective of the present invention,
wherein the handle is in the shape of a tiger with the tiger's tail
forming the curved proximal end of the handle.
[0044] FIG. 15 is a side perspective of the present invention in us
use, and in particular, demonstrates two separate toothbrushes, one
in which the handle is in the shape of a parrot and a second in
which the handle is in the shape of a snake, wherein both
toothbrushes are suspended upside down by their respective curved
proximal ends.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0045] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 1 and is generally designated as a toothbrush
10. The toothbrush 10 comprises generally a brush unit 14 at the
distal end 13 of the toothbrush 10 with an elongated handle portion
12 and a proximal end 15 comprised of curved shape in the general
form of a hook 11.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a side view of the toothbrush 10 detailing the
brush unit 14 at the distal end 13, the elongated handle 12, and a
better perspective of the curved shape 11 at the proximate end
15.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a front perspective of the toothbrush 10 detailing
the brush unit 14, the elongated handle 12, and a front perspective
of the curved shape 11 located at the proximal end 15.
[0048] FIG. 4 demonstrates the hand of a child 20 holding the
toothbrush 10 and using the curved shape 11 of the proximal end 15
as a means of further gripping the elongated handle 12 of the
toothbrush 10. The curved shape 11 of the proximal end 15 provides
further support for gripping the toothbrush 10, which is
particularly significant for children, whose arm and hand strength
is less than that of an adult, and thus, may have difficulty
holding a standard toothbrush
[0049] FIG. 5 is a side perspective of the toothbrush 10, wherein
the elongated handle 12 is in the shape of a monkey with the
monkey's tail forming the curved shape 11 of the proximal end 15.
The utility of this embodiment of the present invention is that it
provides a more aesthetically appealing and subtle means of a
toothbrush for individuals suffering from oral defensiveness.
Individuals with this disorder, typically children, have varied
sensory responses and in some instances may reject any or all
stimulation. For these children, an aversion to oral stimulation,
particularly brushing their teeth, would certainly lead to
inadequate oral hygiene and future dental and oral difficulties.
This embodiment of the present invention is more appealing and more
sensitive to touch, and therefore, less likely to cause oral
inhibition, which contributes to oral defensiveness.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a side perspective of the toothbrush 10, wherein
the elongated handle 12 is in the shape of a snake with the snake's
tail forming the curved shape 11 of the proximal end 15. The
utility of this embodiment of the present invention is that it
provides a more aesthetically appealing and subtle means of a
toothbrush for individuals suffering from oral defensiveness.
Individuals with this disorder, typically children, have varied
sensory responses and in some instances may reject any or all
stimulation. For these children, an aversion to oral stimulation,
particularly brushing their teeth, would certainly lead to
inadequate oral hygiene and future dental and oral difficulties.
This embodiment of the present invention is more appealing and more
sensitive to touch, and therefore, less likely to cause oral
inhibition, which contributes to oral defensiveness.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a side perspective of the toothbrush 10, wherein
the elongated handle 12 is in the shape of a dinosaur with the
dinosaur's tail forming the curved shape 11 of the proximal end 15.
The utility of this embodiment of the present invention is that it
provides a more aesthetically appealing and subtle means of a
toothbrush for individuals suffering from oral defensiveness.
Individuals with this disorder, typically children, have varied
sensory responses and in some instances may reject any or all
stimulation. For these children, an aversion to oral stimulation,
particularly brushing their teeth, would certainly lead to
inadequate oral hygiene and future dental and oral difficulties.
This embodiment of the present invention is more appealing and more
sensitive to touch, and therefore, less likely to cause oral
inhibition, which contributes to oral defensiveness.
[0052] FIG. 8 is a side perspective of the toothbrush 10, wherein
the elongated handle 12 is in the shape of a stork with the stork's
tail forming the curved shape 11 of the proximal end 15. The
utility of this embodiment of the present invention is that it
provides a more aesthetically appealing and subtle means of a
toothbrush for individuals suffering from oral defensiveness.
Individuals with this disorder, typically children, have varied
sensory responses and in some instances may reject any or all
stimulation. For these children, an aversion to oral stimulation,
particularly brushing their teeth, would certainly lead to
inadequate oral hygiene and future dental and oral difficulties.
This embodiment of the present invention is more appealing and more
sensitive to touch, and therefore, less likely to cause oral
inhibition, which contributes to oral defensiveness.
[0053] FIG. 9 is a side perspective of the toothbrush 10, wherein
the elongated handle 12 is in the shape of a parrot with the
parrot's tail forming the curved shape 11 of the proximal end 15.
The utility of this embodiment of the present invention is that it
provides a more aesthetically appealing and subtle means of a
toothbrush for individuals suffering from oral defensiveness.
Individuals with this disorder, typically children, have varied
sensory responses and in some instances may reject any or all
stimulation. For these children, an aversion to oral stimulation,
particularly brushing their teeth, would certainly lead to
inadequate oral hygiene and future dental and oral difficulties.
This embodiment of the present invention is more appealing and more
sensitive to touch, and therefore, less likely to cause oral
inhibition, which contributes to oral defensiveness.
[0054] FIG. 10 is a side perspective of the toothbrush 10, wherein
the elongated handle 12 is in the shape of a duck with the duck's
tail forming the curved shape 11 of the proximal end 15. The
utility of this embodiment of the present invention is that it
provides a more aesthetically appealing and subtle means of a
toothbrush for individuals suffering from oral defensiveness.
Individuals with this disorder, typically children, have varied
sensory responses and in some instances may reject any or all
stimulation. For these children, an aversion to oral stimulation,
particularly brushing their teeth, would certainly lead to
inadequate oral hygiene and future dental and oral difficulties.
This embodiment of the present invention is more appealing and more
sensitive to touch, and therefore, less likely to cause oral
inhibition, which contributes to oral defensiveness.
[0055] FIG. 11 is a side perspective of the toothbrush 10, wherein
the elongated handle 12 is in the shape of a dolphin with the
dolphin's tail forming the curved shape 11 of the proximal end 15.
The utility of this embodiment of the present invention is that it
provides a more aesthetically appealing and subtle means of a
toothbrush for individuals suffering from oral defensiveness.
Individuals with this disorder, typically children, have varied
sensory responses and in some instances may reject any or all
stimulation. For these children, an aversion to oral stimulation,
particularly brushing their teeth, would certainly lead to
inadequate oral hygiene and future dental and oral difficulties.
This embodiment of the present invention is more appealing and more
sensitive to touch, and therefore, less likely to cause oral
inhibition, which contributes to oral defensiveness.
[0056] FIG. 12 is a side perspective of the toothbrush 10, wherein
the elongated handle 12 is in the shape of a giraffe with the
giraffe's tail forming the curved shape 11 of the proximal end 15.
The utility of this embodiment of the present invention is that it
provides a more aesthetically appealing and subtle means of a
toothbrush for individuals suffering from oral defensiveness.
Individuals with this disorder, typically children, have varied
sensory responses and in some instances may reject any or all
stimulation. For these children, an aversion to oral stimulation,
particularly brushing their teeth, would certainly lead to
inadequate oral hygiene and future dental and oral difficulties.
This embodiment of the present invention is more appealing and more
sensitive to touch, and therefore, less likely to cause oral
inhibition, which contributes to oral defensiveness.
[0057] FIG. 13 is a side perspective of the toothbrush 10, wherein
the elongated handle 12 is in the shape of an alligator with the
alligator's tail forming the curved shape 11 of the proximal end
15. The utility of this embodiment of the present invention is that
it provides a more aesthetically appealing and subtle means of a
toothbrush for individuals suffering from oral defensiveness.
Individuals with this disorder, typically children, have varied
sensory responses and in some instances may reject any or all
stimulation. For these children, an aversion to oral stimulation,
particularly brushing their teeth, would certainly lead to
inadequate oral hygiene and future dental and oral difficulties.
This embodiment of the present invention is more appealing and more
sensitive to touch, and therefore, less likely to cause oral
inhibition, which contributes to oral defensiveness.
[0058] FIG. 14 is a side perspective of the toothbrush 10, wherein
the elongated handle 12 is in the shape of a tiger with the tiger's
tail forming the curved shape 11 of the proximal end 15. The
utility of this embodiment of the present invention is that it
provides a more aesthetically appealing and subtle means of a
toothbrush for individuals suffering from oral defensiveness.
Individuals with this disorder, typically children, have varied
sensory responses and in some instances may reject any or all
stimulation. For these children, an aversion to oral stimulation,
particularly brushing their teeth, would certainly lead to
inadequate oral hygiene and future dental and oral difficulties.
This embodiment of the present invention is more appealing and more
sensitive to touch, and therefore, less likely to cause oral
inhibition, which contributes to oral defensiveness.
[0059] FIG. 15 is a side perspective of the present invention in
use, and in particular, demonstrates, one toothbrush 10 in which
the elongated handle 12 is in the shape of a parrot and a second
toothbrush 10 in which the elongated handle 12 is in the shape of a
snake, wherein both toothbrushes 10 are suspended upside down from
a toothbrush holder 30 by their respective curved shapes 11 at
their proximal ends 15.
[0060] As to the manner of usage and operation of the present
invention, the same should be apparent from the above description.
Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage
and operation will be provided.
[0061] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0062] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *